JPWO2007026396A1 - Game machine, game control method, and game system - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a player who has consumed a large number of coins from feeling uncomfortable or distrustful of a game or losing interest or interest in a game. The gaming machine according to the present invention includes an output means capable of outputting an image or sound, a combination determining means for determining a combination by lottery, and when the determined combination is a special combination, The means for generating the first special gaming state advantageous to the player and the number of games have reached a set value to be compared with the number of games selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance. Means for generating a second special game state that is advantageous to the player and has a degree of advantage according to the set value, and the setting when the second special game state is generated. The second special gaming state is generated based on the value That is, characterized by comprising a means for notifying by outputting an image or sound to the output means.

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine that uses a gaming medium (game value) such as coins, a gaming control method for the gaming machine, and a gaming system including the gaming machine and a control device. .

Conventionally, in a facility where a gaming machine such as a slot machine is installed, a game can be played by inserting various gaming media such as coins and cash into the gaming machine. Each gaming machine pays out a payout according to a winning state (game result) generated by the progress of the game.

In casinos with multiple slot machines, a portion of the credits consumed by each slot machine is reserved, and when the amount of the reservation reaches a certain amount, There is a so-called “jackpot” that pays out a large amount that is not paid out in a win (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a slot machine, normally, hits are generated with a set probability, and the player advances the game in the hope that the hits will occur. Then, by a lottery different from the normal winning lottery based on the probability set in the slot machine, a jackpot win occurs in any slot machine at a certain timing. In order to increase the payout amount at the time of “jackpot”, generally, a plurality of casinos are connected by a network.

Further, there is a system in which a host computer and a plurality of gaming machines are network-connected, and the host computer controls the generation of bonuses in the gaming machines (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this system, the host computer accumulates the number of coins inserted in each gaming machine and accumulates a part of the number of coins inserted in a plurality of gaming machines as a bonus pool. In addition, the host computer gives a bonus qualification to a gaming machine whose number of coins has reached a predetermined number. When the value of the bonus pool reaches a predetermined threshold value, the host computer transmits a command to one gaming machine selected from the gaming machines to which bonus qualifications are given. In the gaming machine that receives the command, a highly gambling bonus game is played.

JP 2003-117053 A US Pat. No. 5,820,459

However, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, the player who can enjoy the benefits of the “jackpot” is a player who is playing a game with the gaming machine that has won the lottery. Therefore, a player who has consumed a large number of coins cannot enjoy the benefits of “jackpot” at all, and a player who has just started playing can enjoy the benefits of “jackpot”.

Also in the system described in Patent Document 2, the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the bonus game is given to any gaming machine in which the number of coins inserted reaches a predetermined number. The opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the bonus game is not necessarily given to a player who has consumed a large number of coins. Therefore, in the system described in Patent Document 2, as with the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, a player who has consumed a large number of coins cannot enjoy the benefits of the bonus game and has started playing. There are cases where only the players enjoy the benefits of the bonus game.

Further, in the system described in Patent Document 2, a part of the number of coins inserted in a plurality of gaming machines is accumulated as a bonus pool. Therefore, when the operating rate of the gaming machine in the system is low, even if a certain player consumes a large number of coins, the value of the bonus pool does not reach the predetermined threshold value, and the benefit of the bonus game is enjoyed. There was a case that could not be done. Furthermore, since the bonus game performed in the system described in Patent Document 2 is highly gambling, even if an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the bonus game is given, the benefits cannot be sufficiently obtained. was there.

When the situation described above occurs, there is a possibility that a player who has consumed a large number of coins may feel discomfort or distrust in the game or lose interest or interest in the game.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its purpose is to allow a player who has consumed a large number of coins and other game media to feel uncomfortable or distrustful of the game, It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can prevent interest and interest from being lost, a gaming control method related to the gaming machine, and a gaming machine system including the gaming machine and a control device.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides the following.
(1) an output means capable of outputting an image or sound;
A role determining means for determining a role by lottery;
Means for generating a first special gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player when the determined combination is a special combination;
When the number of games that are cumulatively counted every time a game is played reaches a set value that is selected from a plurality of candidate values that are determined in advance and that is to be compared with the number of games, Means for generating a second special gaming state which is a gaming state advantageous to the player and in which a degree of advantage according to the set value is determined;
Means for notifying that the second special game state is generated based on the set value by outputting an image or sound to the output means when the second special game state is generated; A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

According to the invention of (1), the number of games is selected from a plurality of candidate values (for example, “500”, “1000”, “2000”) that are determined stepwise in advance. When the set value to be compared is reached, a second special game state is generated which is a game state advantageous to the player and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined. Therefore, even if a large number of game media are consumed without the first special game state occurring for a long period of time, if the game is played until the number of games reaches the set value, the second special game state occurs. The player can get the profit.

Further, when the second special game state is generated, the fact that the second special game state is generated is notified based on the set value by outputting an image or sound to the output means. Therefore, based on which setting value the second special gaming state has occurred, that is, which setting value has been reached until the number of games has been reached, the second special gaming state has occurred. The player can be recognized by the image or sound. As a result, it is possible to give an impression to the player that a return for the game played until the set value reaches the number of games has been performed.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(2) A gaming machine connected via a communication line to a control device that cumulatively counts the number of games in each of a plurality of gaming machines for each gaming machine,
An output means capable of outputting an image or sound;
A role determining means for determining a role by lottery;
Means for generating a first special gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player when the determined combination is a special combination;
Means for transmitting identification information of a gaming machine to the control device via the communication line each time a game is played;
The number of games cumulatively counted by the control device based on the identification information of the gaming machine is a comparison target with the number of games selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages. Means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when a set value is reached;
Means for generating a second special gaming state which is a gaming state advantageous for the player based on the command signal and in which a degree of advantage according to the set value is determined;
Means for notifying that the second special game state is generated based on the set value by outputting an image or sound to the output means when the second special game state is generated; A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

According to the invention of (2), the number of games counted in the control device is transmitted from the control device when it reaches a set value selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages. When the command signal is received, the second special gaming state is generated. Then, based on the set value, the fact that the second special gaming state has occurred is notified by outputting an image or sound to the output means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(3) an output means capable of outputting an image or sound;
A role determining means for determining a role by lottery;
Means for generating a first special gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player when the determined combination is a special combination;
Means for cumulatively counting the number of games each time a game is played;
Means for selecting a set value to be compared with the number of games from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages;
Means for determining whether or not the number of games has reached the set value;
Means for generating a second special game state in which the game state is advantageous for the player and the degree of advantage according to the set value is determined when it is determined that the number of games has reached the set value; When,
Means for notifying that the second special game state is generated based on the set value by outputting an image or sound to the output means when the second special game state is generated; A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

According to the invention of (3), a set value to be compared with the number of games is selected from a plurality of candidate values that are determined in advance, and the number of games is cumulative each time a game is played. To count. Further, it is determined whether or not the number of games has reached the set value, and when it is determined that the number of games has reached the set value, the second special game state is generated. Then, based on the set value, the fact that the second special gaming state has occurred is notified by outputting an image or sound to the output means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(4) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
The means for generating the second special game state is characterized by generating a second special game state in which a greater degree of advantage is determined as the set value at which the number of games is reached is larger.

According to the invention of (4), as the number of games is increased, a larger profit can be obtained in the second special game state. Therefore, a profit corresponding to the number of games played by the player can be obtained in the second special game state. Can be granted to a person. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(5) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
A receiving means capable of accepting the insertion of game media up to a predetermined upper limit value for one game;
When the number of games reaches the set value, the means for generating the second special game state determines the second special game state when the number of game media inserted for that game is the upper limit. It is characterized by generating.

According to the invention of (5), it is possible to prompt the player to insert the game medium up to the upper limit value, and the facility such as a casino can increase the profit.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(6) A gaming machine comprising an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, and an image or sound output device,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A process of determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing the lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out and executing a program for generating a first special game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, from the storage device;
When the number of games that are cumulatively counted every time a game is played reaches a set value that is selected from a plurality of candidate values that are determined in advance and that is to be compared with the number of games, Processing for reading out and executing from the storage device a program for generating a second special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player and has a degree of advantage determined according to the set value;
When the second special gaming state is generated, notification data for notifying that the second special gaming state is generated based on the set value is read from the storage device, and the notification A gaming machine that executes processing for outputting an image or sound to the output device based on data.

According to the invention of (6), when the number of games reaches a set value to be compared with the number of games selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages, the second special A game state is generated. Then, an image or sound is output to the output device based on the notification data for notifying that the second special gaming state has occurred based on the set value. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(7) An arithmetic processing device, a storage device, and an image or sound output device are provided, and are connected via a communication line to a control device that cumulatively counts the number of games in each of a plurality of gaming machines for each gaming machine. A gaming machine
The arithmetic processing unit is
A process of determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing the lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out and executing a program for generating a first special game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, from the storage device;
A process of transmitting the identification information of the gaming machine stored in the storage device to the control device via the communication line each time a game is performed;
The number of games cumulatively counted by the control device based on the identification information of the gaming machine is a comparison target with the number of games selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages. A process of receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when the set value is reached;
Based on the command signal, a program for generating a second special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player and has a degree of advantage according to the set value is read from the storage device. Processing to be executed,
When the second special gaming state is generated, notification data for notifying that the second special gaming state is generated based on the set value is read from the storage device, and the notification A gaming machine that executes processing for outputting an image or sound to the output device based on data.

According to the invention of (7), the number of games counted in the control device is transmitted from the control device when it reaches a set value selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages. When the command signal is received, the second special gaming state is generated. Then, based on the set value, the fact that the second special gaming state has occurred is notified by outputting an image or sound to the output device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(8) A gaming machine including an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, and an image or sound output device,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A process of determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing the lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out and executing a program for generating a first special game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, from the storage device;
A process of cumulatively counting the number of games each time a game is played,
A process of selecting a setting value to be compared with the number of games from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages;
A process of determining whether or not the number of games has reached a set value;
When it is determined that the number of games has reached the set value, a program for generating a second special game state in which the game state is advantageous for the player and the degree of advantage according to the set value is determined Is read from the storage device and executed, and
When the second special gaming state is generated, notification data for notifying that the second special gaming state is generated based on the set value is read from the storage device, and the notification A gaming machine that executes processing for outputting an image or sound to the output device based on data.

According to the invention of (8), a set value to be compared with the number of games is selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages, and the number of games is accumulated each time a game is played. To count. Further, it is determined whether or not the number of games has reached the set value, and when it is determined that the number of games has reached the set value, the second special game state is generated. Then, based on the set value, the fact that the second special gaming state has occurred is notified by outputting an image or sound to the output device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(9) The gaming machine according to any one of (6) to (8) above,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A program for generating a second special game state in which a degree of advantage is determined is increased as the set value at which the number of games is reached is larger.

According to the invention of (9), as more games are played, a larger profit can be obtained in the second special game state. Therefore, in the second special game state, a profit corresponding to the number of games played by the player can be obtained. Can be granted to a person. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(10) The gaming machine according to any one of (6) to (8) above,
The arithmetic processing unit is
When the number of games reaches the set value, when the number of game media inserted for that game is a predetermined upper limit of the number of game media inserted for one game, the second special A program for generating a gaming state is executed.

According to the invention of (10), the player can be encouraged to insert the game medium up to the upper limit value, and the facility such as a casino can increase the profit.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(11) an output means capable of outputting an image or sound;
A role determining means for determining a role by lottery;
Means for generating a first special gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player when the determined combination is a special combination;
A gaming state that is advantageous to the player when the balance of the game medium is equal to or less than a set value that is selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance and is compared with the balance of the game medium. And a means for generating a second special gaming state in which the degree of advantage according to the set value is determined,
Means for notifying that the second special game state is generated based on the set value by outputting an image or sound to the output means when the second special game state is generated; A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

According to the invention of (11), the balance of the game medium is selected from a plurality of candidate values (for example, “−500”, “−1000”, “−2000”) determined in advance in stages. The second special game state in which the game state is advantageous for the player and the degree of advantage according to the set value is determined when the value is equal to or less than a set value to be compared with the balance of the game medium. generate. Therefore, when a large number of game media are consumed and the balance of the game media falls below the set value, the second special game state occurs, and the player can obtain the profit.

Further, when the second special game state is generated, the fact that the second special game state is generated is notified based on the set value by outputting an image or sound to the output means.
Therefore, based on which setting value the second special gaming state has occurred, i.e., until the game medium balance has been reduced to which setting value or less, the second special gaming state has occurred. Can be recognized by the player from the above image or sound. As a result, it is possible to give an impression to the player that a return has been made for playing the game until the balance of the game medium becomes equal to or less than the set value.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(12) A gaming machine connected via a communication line to a control device that cumulatively counts the balance of gaming media in each of a plurality of gaming machines for each gaming machine,
An output means capable of outputting an image or sound;
A role determining means for determining a role by lottery;
Means for generating a first special gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player when the determined combination is a special combination;
Means for transmitting the balance of game media in the game of the time, together with the identification information of the gaming machine, to the control device via the communication line each time a game is performed;
Based on the identification information of the gaming machine and the balance of the game medium at that time, the balance of the game medium that is cumulatively counted by the control device is selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance. Means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when a set value to be compared with the balance of the game medium is reached;
Means for generating a second special gaming state which is a gaming state advantageous for the player based on the command signal and in which a degree of advantage according to the set value is determined;
Means for notifying that the second special game state is generated based on the set value by outputting an image or sound to the output means when the second special game state is generated; A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

According to the invention of (12), when the balance of the game medium counted in the control device becomes equal to or less than a set value selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance, the control device When the transmitted command signal is received, the second special gaming state is generated. Then, based on the set value, the fact that the second special gaming state has occurred is notified by outputting an image or sound to the output means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(13) an output means capable of outputting an image or sound;
A role determining means for determining a role by lottery;
Means for generating a first special gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player when the determined combination is a special combination;
Means for cumulatively counting the balance of game media each time a game is played;
Means for selecting a set value to be compared with a balance of game media from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages;
Means for determining whether or not the balance of the game medium has become a set value or less;
Means for generating a second special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player and in which the degree of advantage according to the setting value is determined when it is determined that the balance of the gaming medium has become equal to or less than the setting value;
Means for notifying that the second special game state is generated based on the set value by outputting an image or sound to the output means when the second special game state is generated; A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

According to the invention of (13), a set value to be compared with the balance of the game medium is selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance, and each time a game is played, The balance is counted cumulatively. In addition, it is determined whether or not the balance of the game medium is equal to or less than the set value, and when it is determined that the balance of the game medium is equal to or less than the set value, the second special game state is generated. Then, based on the set value, the fact that the second special gaming state has occurred is notified by outputting an image or sound to the output means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(14) The gaming machine according to any one of (11) to (13) above,
The means for generating the second special game state generates the second special game state in which the degree of advantage is determined as the set value at which the balance of the game medium has reached is smaller.

According to the invention of (14), the lower the balance of the game medium, the greater the profit can be obtained in the second special game state. Therefore, in the second special game state, the profit that compensates for the player's loss can be obtained. Can be granted to a person. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(15) The gaming machine according to any one of (11) to (13) above,
A receiving means capable of accepting the insertion of game media up to a predetermined upper limit value for one game;
The means for generating the second special game state is the second special game state, when the balance of the game media is equal to or less than the set value, and the number of game media inserted for the game at that time is the upper limit value. A game state is generated.

According to the invention of (15), the player can be encouraged to insert the game medium up to the upper limit value, and the facility such as a casino can increase the profit.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(16) A gaming machine including an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, and an image or sound output device,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A process of determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing the lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out and executing a program for generating a first special game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, from the storage device;
The balance of game media that is cumulatively counted each time a game is played is less than or equal to a set value that is selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance and that is to be compared with the balance of the game media When this happens, a program for generating a second special gaming state that is in a gaming state advantageous to the player and has a degree of advantage according to the set value is read from the storage device and executed. Processing,
When the second special gaming state is generated, notification data for notifying that the second special gaming state is generated based on the set value is read from the storage device, and the notification A gaming machine that executes processing for outputting an image or sound to the output device based on data.

According to the invention of (16), when the balance of the game medium becomes equal to or less than a set value selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance and compared with the number of games, A second special game state is generated. Then, an image or sound is output to the output device based on the notification data for notifying that the second special gaming state has occurred based on the set value. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(17) An arithmetic processing device, a storage device, and an image or sound output device are provided, and through a communication line and a control device that cumulatively counts the balance of game media in each of a plurality of gaming machines for each gaming machine A connected gaming machine,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A process of determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing the lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out and executing a program for generating a first special game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, from the storage device;
A process of transmitting the number of game media inserted and paid out in the game stored in the storage device together with the identification information of the gaming machine to the control device through the communication line each time a game is performed;
The balance of the game media that is cumulatively counted by the control device based on the identification information of the gaming machine and the number of game media inserted and paid out in the game is a plurality of candidate values determined in stages. A process of receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when the value is equal to or less than a set value to be compared with the balance of the game medium selected from
Based on the command signal, a program for generating a second special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player and has a degree of advantage according to the set value is read from the storage device. Processing to be executed,
When the second special gaming state is generated, notification data for notifying that the second special gaming state is generated based on the set value is read from the storage device, and the notification A gaming machine that executes processing for outputting an image or sound to the output device based on data.

According to the invention of (17), when the balance of the game media counted in the control device becomes equal to or less than a set value selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance, the control device When the transmitted command signal is received, the second special gaming state is generated. Then, based on the set value, the fact that the second special gaming state has occurred is notified by outputting an image or sound to the output device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(18) A gaming machine comprising an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, and an image or sound output device,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A process of determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing the lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out and executing a program for generating a first special game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, from the storage device;
A process of cumulatively counting the balance of game media each time a game is played,
A process of selecting a set value to be compared with the balance of game media from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages;
A process for determining whether or not the balance of the game medium has become a set value or less;
A program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to the player and has a degree of advantage determined according to the set value when it is determined that the balance of the game medium is equal to or less than the set value Is read from the storage device and executed, and
When the second special gaming state is generated, notification data for notifying that the second special gaming state is generated based on the set value is read from the storage device, and the notification A gaming machine that executes processing for outputting an image or sound to the output device based on data.

According to the invention of (18), a set value to be compared with a game medium is selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages, and the balance of the game medium is calculated each time a game is performed. Count cumulatively. In addition, it is determined whether or not the balance of the game medium is equal to or less than the set value, and when it is determined that the balance of the game medium is equal to or less than the set value, the second special game state is generated. Then, based on the set value, the fact that the second special gaming state has occurred is notified by outputting an image or sound to the output device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(19) The gaming machine according to any one of (16) to (18) above,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A program for generating a second special gaming state in which a degree of advantage is determined as the set value at which the balance of gaming media has reached is smaller.

According to the invention of (19), the lower the balance of gaming media, the greater the profit that can be obtained in the second special gaming state, so that a profit that compensates for the loss of the player can be obtained in the second special gaming state. Can be granted to a person. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(20) The gaming machine according to any one of (16) to (18) above,
The arithmetic processing unit is
When the balance of the game media is equal to or less than the set value, the number of game media input for that game is a predetermined upper limit value of the number of game media input for one game. 2. A program for generating a special game state is executed.

According to the invention of (20), the player can be encouraged to insert the game medium up to the upper limit value, and the facility such as a casino can increase profits.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(21) means for giving the player a different profit in stages depending on the number of games played by the player;
A gaming machine comprising: means for notifying the player of different profits in stages according to the number of games using different images or sounds according to the number of games.

According to the invention of (21), different profits are given step by step depending on the number of games. In addition, the player is notified that different profits are given step by step depending on the number of games, using different images or sounds depending on the number of games. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(22) means for giving the player a different profit in stages according to the player's game media balance;
And a means for notifying the player of different profits in stages according to the balance of the game medium, using different images or sounds according to the balance of the game medium. Machine.

According to the invention of (22), different profits are given in stages depending on the balance of game media. In addition, the player is notified that different profits are given step by step according to the balance of the game medium, using different images or sounds according to the balance of the game medium. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(23) providing the player with a profit that varies stepwise depending on the number of games played by the player;
A game control method comprising: notifying a player of different profits in stages according to the number of games using a different image or sound according to the number of games.

According to the invention of (23), different profits are given step by step depending on the number of games. In addition, the player is notified that different profits are given step by step depending on the number of games, using different images or sounds depending on the number of games. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(24) a step of giving the player a different profit in stages according to the player's game media balance;
A step of notifying the player by means of a different image or sound according to the balance of the game medium, and the step of notifying the player that the profit varies step by step according to the balance of the game medium. Method.

According to the invention of (24), different profits are given in stages depending on the balance of game media. In addition, the player is notified that different profits are given step by step according to the balance of the game medium, using different images or sounds according to the balance of the game medium. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(25) A gaming system comprising a gaming machine and a control device,
The controller is
Means for transmitting a signal to the gaming machine according to the number of games played by the player in the gaming machine;
The gaming machine is
Based on the signal received from the control device, means for giving the player a profit that varies stepwise depending on the number of games,
A gaming system comprising: means for notifying the player of different profits in stages according to the number of games, using different images or sounds according to the number of games.

According to the invention of (25), different profits are given in stages depending on the number of games. In addition, the player is notified that different profits are given step by step depending on the number of games, using different images or sounds depending on the number of games. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(26) A gaming system comprising a gaming machine and a control device,
The controller is
Means for transmitting a signal to the gaming machine according to the balance of the game media of the player in the gaming machine;
The gaming machine is
Based on the signal received from the control device, means for giving the player a different profit depending on the balance of the game medium;
And a means for notifying the player of different profits in stages according to the balance of the game medium, using different images or sounds according to the balance of the game medium. system.

According to the invention of (26), different profits are given in stages depending on the balance of game media. In addition, the player is notified that different profits are given step by step according to the balance of the game medium, using different images or sounds according to the balance of the game medium. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of coins from causing discomfort or distrust in a game or losing interest or interest in the game.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The gaming system 100 includes a plurality of gaming machines 10 and a control device 200 connected to these gaming machines 10 via a predetermined communication line 101. Such a gaming system 100 may be constructed within one gaming facility capable of performing various games such as bars and casinos, or may be constructed among a plurality of gaming facilities. Further, when the game system 100 is constructed within one game facility, the game system 100 may be constructed for each floor or section of the game facility. The communication line 101 is not particularly limited, and may be wired or wireless, and a dedicated line, an exchange line, or the like can be employed.

In the present embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is a slot machine. However, in the present invention, the gaming machine is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a so-called single game machine such as a video slot machine or a video card game machine, such as a horse racing game, a bingo game, or a lottery ticket. It may be a so-called mass game machine (multi-terminal gaming machine) that plays a game that requires a predetermined time until the result is displayed.

In the gaming machine 10, coins, bills, or electronic valuable information corresponding to these are used as game media. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include medals, tokens, electronic money, and tickets. The ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a ticket with a barcode as described later.

The control device 200 controls a plurality of gaming machines 10. In particular, in the present embodiment, the control device 200 controls the transition to the return mode in each gaming machine 10. The return mode corresponds to the second special game state in the present invention, and a large number of coins are paid out in the return mode. Note that the control device 200 may control the reduction rate by controlling the transition to the reduction mode. In this case, the control device 200 may individually control the return rate of the gaming machine 10 or may control the return rate in the plurality of gaming machines 10 as a whole.

The control device 200 may have a function as a so-called hall server installed in a gaming facility having a plurality of gaming machines 10 or a server that collectively manages a plurality of gaming facilities. Each gaming machine 10 is assigned a unique identification number, and the control device 200 determines the origin of data sent from each gaming machine 10 based on the identification number. Also, when transmitting data from the control device 200 to the gaming machine 10, the transmission destination is specified using the identification number.

The identification number of the gaming machine corresponds to the identification information of the gaming machine in the present invention. In the present invention, the identification information of the gaming machine is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include letters, symbols, numbers, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The gaming machine 10 includes a cabinet 11, a top box 12 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 provided on the front surface of the cabinet 11. Inside the cabinet 11, three reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) are rotatably provided. On the outer peripheral surface of each reel 14, a symbol row composed of 22 symbols (hereinafter also referred to as symbols) is drawn.

A lower image display panel 16 is provided in front of each reel 14 in the main door 13. The lower image display panel 16 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel, and various information related to the game, effect images, and the like are displayed during the game. The lower image display panel 16 is an image output device and functions as an output unit capable of outputting an image.
In the lower image display panel 16, a credit number display unit 31 and a payout number display unit 32 are set. The credit amount display unit 31 displays the number of credited coins as an image. On the payout display section 32, the number of coins paid out when the combination of symbols stopped on the winning line L is a predetermined combination is displayed as an image.

The lower image display panel 16 is formed with three display windows 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) whose rear surface can be visually recognized, and is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 14 through each display window 15. Three symbols are displayed each. The lower image display panel 16 is formed with a single winning line L that horizontally crosses the three display windows 15. The winning line L defines a combination of symbols. When the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the winning line L is a predetermined combination, the number of coins corresponding to the combination and the number of coins inserted (BET number) is paid out.

In the present invention, for example, a plurality of pay lines L are formed which cross the three display windows 15 horizontally or diagonally, and the number of pay lines L corresponding to the number of coins inserted is activated. When the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line L is a predetermined combination, the number of coins corresponding to the combination may be paid out.

Further, although not shown, a touch panel 69 is provided on the front surface of the lower image display panel 16, and the player can operate the touch panel 69 to input various instructions.

Below the lower image display panel 16, a control panel 20 including a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 into which instructions relating to game progress are input by a player, a coin receiving slot 21 for receiving coins into the cabinet 11, and banknotes A discriminator 22 is provided.

The control panel 20 is provided with a spin button 23, a change button 24, a cashout button 25, a 1-BET button 26, and a maximum BET button 27. The spin button 23 is for inputting an instruction to start the rotation of the reel 14. The change button 24 is used when requesting a change of money from an attendant of the game facility. The cashout button 25 is used to input an instruction to pay out the credited coins to the coin tray 18.

The 1-BET button 26 is used to input an instruction to bet one coin among the credited coins on the game. The maximum BET button 27 is used for inputting an instruction to bet a maximum number of coins (50 in this embodiment) that can be bet on one game among the credited coins.

In the present invention, the insertion of the game medium means that the game medium is bet on the game. For example, when a coin inserted into the coin acceptance slot 21 is directly bet on a game, the insertion of the coin into the coin acceptance slot 21 corresponds to the insertion of a game medium. However, as in the present embodiment, once a coin is inserted into the coin receiving slot 21, the credit is once credited, and when the 1-BET button 26 or the maximum BET button 27 is operated, the credited coin is bet on the game. In this case, betting a credited coin on a game is equivalent to inserting a game medium.

The banknote discriminator 22 recognizes the suitability of banknotes and accepts regular banknotes in the cabinet 11. Note that the bill validator 22 may be configured to be able to read a barcode-added ticket 39 to be described later. A berry glass 34 on which a character of the gaming machine 10 is drawn is provided on the lower front surface of the main door 13, that is, below the control panel 20.

An upper image display panel 33 is provided on the front surface of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 33 includes a liquid crystal panel and displays, for example, an image representing introduction of game contents and explanation of game rules. In the present embodiment, the lower image display panel 16 is an image output device and functions as an output unit. However, in the present invention, the upper image display panel 33 is an image output device, It may function as output means.

The top box 12 is provided with a speaker 29. The speaker 29 is a sound output device and functions as an output means capable of outputting sound. Below the upper image display panel 33, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37, and a keypad 38 are provided. The ticket printer 35 prints on a ticket a bar code in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and an identification number of the gaming machine 10 is encoded, and outputs it as a ticket 39 with a bar code. A player causes another gaming machine to read the ticket 39 with a barcode to play a game with the gaming machine, or exchanges the ticket 39 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined location of the gaming facility (for example, a cashier in a casino). You can do it.

The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card and writes data to the smart card. The smart card is a card possessed by the player, and stores, for example, data for identifying the player and data relating to a history of games played by the player. The smart card may store data corresponding to coins, bills, or credits. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted instead of the smart card. The data display 37 is composed of a fluorescent display or the like and displays, for example, data read by the card reader 36 or data input by the player through the keypad 38. The keypad 38 is used for inputting instructions and data related to ticket issuance and the like.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a column of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each reel.
Twenty-two symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the left reel 14L, middle reel 14C and right reel 14R, respectively. The symbol rows drawn on each reel 14 are different from each other. Each symbol column is configured by combining “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE” symbols.

“JACKPOT 7,” “BLUE 7,” “BELL,” “CHERRY,” “STRAWBERRY,” “PLUM,” and “ORANGE” are predetermined credits when three on the winning line L are stopped and displayed. The number is added as a credit owned by the player (see FIG. 14). In addition, regarding “CHERRY” and “ORANGE”, even if one or two are displayed in a stopped state on the winning line, a predetermined number of credits is assigned to the player according to the number of credits owned by the player. (See FIG. 14).

“APPLE” is a bonus game trigger (a symbol for shifting to a bonus game). When three “APPLE” are stopped and displayed on the winning line L, it is possible to shift to the bonus game. The bonus game corresponds to the first special game state. In this embodiment, the bonus game is a free game (a game that can be played a predetermined number of times without betting coins).

In the present invention, the first special gaming state is not particularly limited as long as it is an advantageous gaming state for the player. Further, the gaming state advantageous to the player is not particularly limited as long as it is more advantageous than the normal gaming state (the gaming state other than the first special gaming state or the second special gaming state). A state in which more game media can be acquired than the normal game state, a state in which game media can be acquired with a higher probability than in the normal game state, and a state in which the number of game media consumed is lower than in the normal game state. . Specifically, examples of the first special gaming state include a free game, a second game, and a mystery bonus.

When the 1-BET button 26 or the maximum BET button 27 is pressed and the spin button 23 is pressed to start the game, the symbol row drawn on each reel 14 is displayed along with the rotation of the reel 14. The window 15 is scrolled from the upper side to the lower side. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the reel 15 is stopped and displayed as the rotation of the reel 14 stops. Furthermore, when various combinations (see FIG. 14) are determined in advance based on the combination of symbols, and the combination of symbols corresponding to the combination stops on the winning line L, the number of coins paid out according to the combination Is added to the credits owned by the player. When a bonus game trigger is established, a bonus game is generated.

Further, when a return mode flag, which will be described later, is set to “ON”, after the symbol is stopped and displayed as described above, the mode is shifted to the return mode. When a bonus game is generated, the mode is shifted to the return mode after the bonus game is ended. The return mode corresponds to the second special game state. In the present embodiment, when shifting to the return mode, a predetermined number of coins are paid out. In the present embodiment, the number of coins paid out in the return mode is set according to a setting value described later.

In the present invention, the second special gaming state is not particularly limited as long as it is a gaming state advantageous to the player. Such gaming states include, for example, a state in which more gaming media can be acquired in the normal gaming state, a state in which gaming media can be acquired with a higher probability than in the normal gaming state, and consumption of gaming media from the normal gaming state. A state where the number is reduced can be exemplified. Specifically, examples of the second special gaming state include a free game, a second game, and a mystery bonus.

In the present invention, the second special gaming state may be the same type of gaming state as the first special gaming state, but as in the present embodiment, the second special gaming state is a different type of gaming state from the first special gaming state. May be. When the second special game state is a different type of game state from the first special game state, the game can have diversity, and the expectation for the second special game state can be enhanced. Further, the gaming state in the second special gaming state may be a dedicated gaming state that occurs only when the second special gaming state occurs. In this case, the expectation for the second special gaming state can be further increased.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG.
The gaming board 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55, a boot ROM 52, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53, and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54 connected to each other via an internal bus. And.

The memory card 53 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a compact flash (registered trademark), and stores a game program and a game system program. The game program includes a lottery program. The lottery program is a program for determining the symbol (code No. corresponding to the symbol) of each reel 14 that is stopped and displayed on the winning line L. The lottery program includes symbol weighting data corresponding to each of a plurality of types of payout rates (for example, 80%, 84%, 88%). The symbol weighting data is the code number of each symbol for each of the three reels 14. (Refer to FIG. 3) and data indicating the correspondence between one or a plurality of random values belonging to a predetermined numerical range (0 to 256). The payout rate is determined based on the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54, and a lottery is performed based on the symbol weighting data corresponding to the payout rate.

The card slot 53S is configured so that the memory card 53 can be inserted and removed, and is connected to the mother board 40 by an IDE bus. Therefore, by extracting the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing another game program and game system program in the memory card 53, and inserting the memory card 53 into the card slot 53S, The contents can be changed. Also, by replacing the memory card 53 storing one game program and game system program with a memory card 53 storing another game program and game system program, the types and contents of games played in the gaming machine 10 can be changed. It is also possible to change.
The game program includes a program related to game progression, a program for generating a first special gaming state, and a program for generating a second special gaming state. The game program includes image data and sound data output during the game, and image data and sound data as notification data.

The GAL 54 is a kind of PLD having an OR fixed type array structure. The GAL 54 includes a plurality of input ports and output ports. When predetermined data is input to the input port, the GAL 54 outputs data corresponding to the data from the output port. The data output from this output port is the aforementioned payout rate setting data.
The IC socket 54S is configured so that the GAL 54 can be attached and detached, and is connected to the mother board 40 by a PCI bus. Accordingly, the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 can be changed by extracting the GAL 54 from the IC socket 54S, rewriting the program stored in the GAL 54, and attaching the GAL 54 to the IC socket 54S. Also, the payout rate setting data can be changed by replacing the GAL 54 with another GAL 54.

The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 connected to each other by an internal bus are connected to the motherboard 40 by a PCI bus. The PCI bus transmits signals between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power from the motherboard 40 to the gaming board 50. The ROM 55 stores country identification information and an authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) for the CPU 51 to start the preliminary authentication program.

The authentication program is a program (tamper check program) for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure (authentication procedure) for verifying and verifying that the game program and game system program to be authenticated are not falsified, that is, authenticating the game program and game system program. Has been. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the above-described authentication program. The preliminary authentication program is described in accordance with a proof that the authentication program to be authenticated has not been falsified, that is, a procedure for authenticating the authentication program (authentication procedure).

The motherboard 40 is configured by using a commercially available general-purpose motherboard (printed wiring board on which basic components of a personal computer are mounted), a main CPU 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, and a communication. Interface 44. The main CPU 41 is an arithmetic processing device in the present invention.

The ROM 42 includes a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a basic input / output system (BIOS) executed by the main CPU 41 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, initialization processing of predetermined peripheral devices is performed, and acquisition processing of the game program and game system program stored in the memory card 53 via the gaming board 50 is started. The In the present invention, the ROM 42 may be rewritable or impossible.

The RAM 43 stores data and programs used when the main CPU 41 operates. Further, the RAM 43 can store an authentication program, a game program, and a game system program that are read out via the gaming board 50. The RAM 43 is a storage device in the present invention.

The RAM 43 is provided with a storage area for a return mode flag. The return mode flag is a flag referred to when selecting whether or not to shift to the return mode as the second special gaming state. The storage area of the return mode flag is, for example, a storage area having a predetermined number of bits, and the return mode flag is “ON” or “OFF” depending on the storage contents in the storage area. If the return mode flag is set to “ON”, then it always shifts to the return mode. Further, the RAM 43 stores data such as the number of credits, the number of insertions and the number of payouts in one game.

The communication interface 44 is for communicating with the control device 200 via the communication line 101. The main CPU 41 transmits the number of coins inserted and paid out in the game together with the gaming machine identification number of the gaming machine 10 to the control device 200 every time a game is played. In the control device 200, the number of games, the cumulative number of inputs, and the cumulative number of payouts are stored in association with each gaming machine identification number. In the control device 200, a setting value to be compared with the number of games is determined in association with each gaming machine identification number, and the number of games in a certain gaming machine 10 is determined for that gaming machine 10. When the set value is reached, a reduction command signal is transmitted from the control device 200. When the main CPU 41 receives the return command signal via the communication interface 44, the main CPU 41 sets the return mode flag to “ON”.

Further, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80, which will be described later, are connected to the mother board 40 by USB. Further, a power supply unit 45 is connected to the mother board 40. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 45 to the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 of the mother board 40 is activated, and power is supplied to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus to activate the CPU 51.

The main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected to devices and devices that generate input signals input to the main CPU 41 and devices and devices whose operations are controlled by control signals output from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes a predetermined arithmetic process by executing a game program and a game system program stored in the RAM 43 based on an input signal input to the main CPU 41, and stores the result in the RAM 43. A control signal is transmitted to each device or apparatus as a control process for the device or apparatus.

The main body PCB 60 includes a lamp 30, a sub CPU 61, a hopper 66, a coin detector 67, a graphic board 68, a speaker 29 as an output device, a touch panel 69, a bill discriminator 22, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a key switch 38S, and the like. A data display 37 is connected. The lamp 30 is lit in a predetermined pattern based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

The sub CPU 61 controls the rotation and stop of the reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R). A motor drive circuit 62 including an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) 63 and a driver 64 is connected to the sub CPU 61. The FPGA 63 is a programmable electronic circuit such as an LSI and functions as a control circuit for the stepping motor 70. The driver 64 functions as a circuit for amplifying pulses input to the stepping motor 70. A stepping motor 70 (70L, 70C, 70R) that rotates each reel 14 is connected to the motor drive circuit 62. The stepping motor 70 is a 1-2 phase excitation type stepping motor.

In the present invention, the excitation method of the stepping motor is not particularly limited, and for example, a two-phase excitation method, a one-phase excitation method, or the like can be adopted. Moreover, it is good also as employ | adopting a DC motor instead of a stepping motor. When a DC motor is employed, a deviation counter, a D / A converter, and a servo amplifier are sequentially connected to the sub CPU 61, and the DC motor is connected to the servo amplifier. The rotational position of the DC motor is detected by a rotary encoder, and the current rotational position of the DC motor is supplied as data from the rotary encoder to the deviation counter.

Further, an index detection circuit 65 and a position detection change circuit 71 are connected to the sub CPU 61. The index detection circuit 65 detects the position of a rotating reel 14 (an index to be described later), and can detect the step-out of the reel 14. The control of the rotation and stop of the reel 14 will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings.

The position change detection circuit 71 detects a change in the stop position of the reel 14 after the rotation of the reel 14 is stopped. For example, the position change detection circuit 71 may detect that the stop position is changed by the player so that the combination of symbols forcibly becomes a winning combination, even though it is not actually a combination of symbols for a winning mode. The change of the stop position of the reel 14 related to the above is detected. The position change detection circuit 71 is configured to detect a change in the stop position of the reel 14 by detecting fins (not shown) attached to the inner portion of the reel 14 at a predetermined interval, for example.

The hopper 66 is installed in the cabinet 11 and pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout opening 19 to the coin tray 18 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The coin detection unit 67 is provided inside the coin payout opening 19 and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when it detects that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payout opening 19. .

The graphic board 68 controls image display on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 as an output device based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The credit amount display unit 31 of the lower image display panel 16 displays the credit amount stored in the RAM 43. In addition, the payout number display section 31 of the lower image display panel 16 displays the number of coins paid out.
The graphic board 68 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) that generates image data based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41, a video RAM that temporarily stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like. Note that the image data used when generating the image data by VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43.

The bill validator 22 recognizes whether or not a bill is appropriate and accepts a regular bill into the cabinet 11. When the bill validator 22 accepts a regular bill, it outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 based on the amount of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores the number of credits corresponding to the amount of bills transmitted by the input signal in the RAM 43.

Based on the control signal output from the main CPU 41, the ticket printer 35 prints on the ticket a bar code in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and identification number of the gaming machine 10 stored in the RAM 43 is encoded. Output as a ticket 39 with code.
The card reader 36 reads data from the smart card and transmits it to the main CPU 41, or writes data to the smart card based on a control signal from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided on the keypad 38, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 41 when the keypad 38 is operated by the player. The data display 37 displays data read by the card reader 36 or data input by the player via the keypad 38 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

A control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and a cold cathode tube 81 are connected to the door PCB 80. The control panel 20 includes a spin switch 23S corresponding to the spin button 23, a change switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a CASHOUT switch 25S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to the 1-BET button 26, A maximum BET switch 27S corresponding to the maximum BET button 27 is provided. Each of the switches 23S to 27S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when the corresponding button 23 to 27 is operated by the player.

The coin counter 21 </ b> C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 21 and identifies whether or not the coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 by the player is appropriate. Items other than regular coins are discharged from the coin payout exit 19. The coin counter 21 </ b> C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when a regular coin is detected.

The reverter 21S operates based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41, and a coin that is recognized as a regular coin by the coin counter 21C is installed in the gaming machine 10 (not shown). Or, it is distributed to the hopper 66. That is, when the hopper 66 is filled with coins, regular coins are distributed to the cash box by the reverter 21S. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not filled with coins, regular coins are distributed to the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight installed on the back side of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel 33, and lights up based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The control device 200 includes a CPU 201 as an arithmetic processing device, a ROM 202, a RAM 203 as a temporary storage device, a communication interface 204, and a hard disk drive 205. The communication interface 204 is connected to the communication interface 44 of each gaming machine 10 via the communication line 101. The ROM 202 stores a system program for controlling the operation of the control device, permanent data, and the like. The RAM 203 temporarily stores data received from each gaming machine 10 and data such as calculation results. Further, the hard disk drive 205 stores a game history in each gaming machine 10 in association with the gaming machine identification number of each gaming machine 10.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a correspondence table between gaming machine identification numbers and gaming history.
Each gaming machine identification number is associated with the number of games as a game history, the cumulative number of coins inserted, the cumulative number of coins paid out, the balance of coins, and the coin return rate.

Furthermore, a setting value to be compared with the number of games is defined for each gaming machine identification number. This set value is selected from a plurality of candidate values “600”, “1200”, and 2400 “” that are determined in stages. A setting value “600” is set for the gaming machine 10 having the gaming machine identification number “001”. A setting value “600” is set for the gaming machine 10 having the gaming machine identification number “002”. A setting value “1200” is set in the gaming machine 10 having the gaming machine identification number “003”. In the present invention, the value and the number of candidate values are not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. Alternatively, setting values may be set for a plurality of gaming machines 10 in a lump without setting setting values individually for each gaming machine 10.

When the CPU 201 receives the input number, the payout number, and the gaming machine identification number from the gaming machine 10 via the communication interface 204, the CPU 201 updates the gaming history corresponding to the gaming machine identification number. Specifically, 1 is added to the number of games, the number of inputs is added to the cumulative number of inputs, and the number of payouts is added to the cumulative number of payouts. Further, the balance of the coins and the return rate are calculated on the basis of the cumulative insertion number and the cumulative payout number. When the CPU 201 determines that the updated number of games has reached the set value, the CPU 201 determines the number of coins to be paid out in the return mode based on the set value.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a correspondence table between set values and payout numbers.
As the set value “600”, the number of payouts “1000” in the return mode is set. In the set value “1200”, the number of payouts “2000” in the return mode is set. In the set value “2400”, the number of payouts “4000” in the return mode is set. As described above, in the present embodiment, the larger the set value is, the larger the number of payouts in the return mode is set. Therefore, a profit corresponding to the number of games played by the player can be given to the player in the return mode. it can. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of coins from causing distrust or discomfort to the game or losing interest in the game. The correspondence table shown in FIG. 7 is stored as data in the hard disk drive 205.

In the present invention, the number of payouts set in association with the set value does not necessarily have to be constant. For example, the number of payouts set in association with the set value changes according to the game history or the like. There may be.
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of the correspondence table between the set value and the number of payouts.
In the set value “600”, “(−balance) × 50% (however, the number of payout = 1000 when balance ≧ 0)” is set as the number of payouts in the return mode. Therefore, when the number of games reaches 600, if the balance is “−2000”, the number of payouts is 1000, and if the balance is “−4000”, the number of payouts is 2000. In the set value “1200”, “(−balance) × 60% (however, the number of payouts = 2000 when the balance ≧ 0)” is set as the number of payouts in the return mode. In the set value “2400”, “(−balance) × 70% (however, the number of payout = 4000 when balance ≧ 0)” is set as the number of payouts in the return mode.

Next, processing performed in the gaming machine 10 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a chart showing the procedure of the authentication reading process of the game program and game system program by the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 shown in FIG. It is assumed that the memory card 53 is inserted into the card slot 53S of the gaming board 50, and the GAL 54 is attached to the IC socket 54S.

First, when the power switch is turned on (power is turned on) in the power supply unit 45, the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 are activated (steps S1-1 and S2-1). When the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 are activated, separate processes are performed in parallel. That is, in the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 reads the preliminary authentication program stored in the boot ROM 52, and the authentication program is falsified in advance before loading into the motherboard 40 according to the read preliminary authentication program. Preliminary authentication is performed to confirm and prove that there is no data (step S2-2). On the other hand, in the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 42 and expands the compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM 43 (step S1-2). Then, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS expanded in the RAM 43, and performs diagnosis and initialization of various peripheral devices (step S1-3).

Then, since the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 is connected to the main CPU 41 via the PCI bus, the main CPU 41 reads the authentication program stored in the ROM 55 and stores the read authentication program in the RAM 43. The process to memorize | store is performed (step S1-4). At this time, the main CPU 41 takes the checksum by the ADDSUM method (standard check function) in accordance with the BIOS standard BIOS function, and stores the authentication program in the RAM 43 while confirming whether or not the storage is definitely performed. Let

Next, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, the main CPU 41 accesses the memory card 53 inserted into the card slot 53S via the IDE bus, and from the memory card 53, the game program And reading out the game system program. In this case, the main CPU 41 reads out data constituting the game program and the game system program 4 bytes at a time. Subsequently, the main CPU 41 performs authentication for confirming and proving that the read game program and game system program have not been falsified in accordance with the authentication program stored in the RAM 43 (step S1-5). When this authentication process ends normally, the main CPU 41 writes and stores the game program and game system program to be authenticated (authenticated) in the RAM 43 (step S1-6). Next, the main CPU 41 accesses the GAL 54 attached to the IC socket 54S via the PCI bus, reads the payout rate setting data from the GAL 54, and writes and stores it in the RAM 43 (step S1-7). Next, the main CPU 41 reads out the country identification information stored in the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus, and performs a process of storing the read country identification information in the RAM 43 (step S1-8). ).

After performing the processing described above, the main CPU 41 sequentially reads and executes the game program and the game system program to advance the game.

After the process shown in FIG. 9 is performed, the main CPU 41 performs a game mode selection process.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game mode selection processing.
When the main CPU 41 receives a detection signal output from the coin counter 21C when the coin counter 21C detects a coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 while executing this subroutine, As the insertion process, a process of adding the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 is performed.
FIGS. 11A to 11B are diagrams showing images displayed on the lower image display panel when the game mode selection process is executed.

First, the main CPU 41 performs a process of displaying an image for requesting the player to select a game mode on the lower image display panel 16 (step S3). In this process, the main CPU 41 transmits a drawing command for a game mode selection image to the graphic board 68. In the graphic board, based on the drawing command, the VDP extracts image data from the RAM 43 and develops it in the video RAM, generates one frame of image data, and outputs this image data to the lower image display panel 16. As a result, an image as shown in FIG. 11A is displayed on the lower image display panel 16, for example.

FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating an example of a game mode selection image displayed on the lower image display panel. In the figure, reference numeral 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) denotes a display window. On the upper part of the lower image display panel 16, an image indicating “Select a mode!” Is displayed. This image is an image for requesting the player to select a game mode. In addition, images indicating “INSURANCE” and “NO INSURANCE” are displayed at the lower part of the lower image display panel 16. These images are images showing options for the game mode, and the player inputs an instruction to select the game mode by touching a predetermined portion of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of any of the images. be able to.

The option “INSURANCE” corresponds to the insurance mode. In order to select the insurance mode, a predetermined number of credits (e.g., equivalent to 1 dollar) is required. Note that instead of the number of credits, a corresponding bill or coin may be inserted. When the insurance mode is selected, after that, when the number of games reaches a set value (for example, 600) without generating a bonus game, the return mode flag is set to “ON” and the mode is shifted to the return mode. In the return mode, the player can receive coins according to the set value. That is, in the insurance mode, the game can be played in a state in which insurance is provided to cover all or part of the loss that occurs when the bonus game does not occur for a long time. On the other hand, the option “NO INSURANCE” corresponds to the non-insurance mode. When the non-insurance mode is selected, even if a bonus game does not occur for a long period of time, the return mode flag is not set to “ON” and the return mode is not entered.

After the process of step S3, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the insurance mode is selected (step S4). When determining that the insurance mode is selected, the main CPU 41 performs a process of subtracting a predetermined number from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 (step S5). Thereafter, a game execution process in the insurance mode is performed (step S6).
This process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 12. In the insurance mode, as shown in FIG. 11B, an image indicating “INSURED” is displayed on the upper left of the lower image display panel 16. The This image is an image indicating that the game mode is the insurance mode.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the non-insurance mode has been selected, the main CPU 41 performs a game execution process in the non-insurance mode (step S7). This process is substantially the same as the game execution process in the insurance mode (see FIG. 12) except that the process related to the return mode transition and the process related to counting the number of games are not performed. Explanation here is omitted. When the process of step S6 or S7 is executed, the process returns to step S3.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game execution process in the insurance mode that is called and executed in step S6 of the subroutine shown in FIG.
In the game execution process, first, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a coin is bet (step S10). In this process, the main CPU 41 outputs an input signal output from the 1-BET switch 26S when the 1-BET button 26 is operated, or is output from the maximum BET switch 27S when the maximum BET button 27 is operated. It is determined whether an input signal is received. If it is determined that no coin is bet, the process returns to step S10.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that a coin has been bet, the main CPU 41 performs a process of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 in accordance with the number of coins bet (step S11). If the number of coins bet is greater than the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, the process returns to step S10 without performing the process of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. Further, when the number of coins bet exceeds the upper limit value (50 in this embodiment) that can be bet on one game, a process of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 is performed. Without proceeding, the process proceeds to step S12.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the spin button 23 is turned on (step S12). In this process, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not an input signal output from the spin switch 23S when the spin button 23 is pressed is received.
If it is determined that the spin button 23 is not turned on, the process returns to step S10. When the spin button 23 is not turned on (for example, when an instruction to end the game is input without the spin button 23 being turned on), the main CPU 41 cancels the subtraction result in step S11. .

In the present embodiment, after a coin is bet (step S10), before the determination of whether or not the spin button 23 is turned on (step S12), a process of subtracting the number of credits (step S11) is performed. explain. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, after a coin is bet (step S10), it is determined whether or not the spin button 23 is turned on (step S12), and when it is determined that the spin button 23 is turned on (step S12: YES), the number of credits It is good also as performing the process (step S11) which subtracts.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 of FIG. 12 that the spin button 23 has been turned ON, the main CPU 41 performs a lottery process (step S13). In this lottery process, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing unit) executes the lottery program stored in the RAM 43 (storage device), thereby causing the code No. To decide. Thereby, a combination of symbols to be stopped and displayed is determined. This process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. When executing the process of step S13, the main CPU 41 functions as a combination determining means for determining a combination by lottery. In the present embodiment, a case where one combination is determined from a plurality of types by determining combinations of symbols to be stopped and displayed will be described. In the present invention, for example, first, by lottery, One combination selected from a plurality of types of combinations may be determined, and then a combination of symbols to be stopped and displayed may be determined based on the combination.

Next, the main CPU 41 performs a reel rotation control process (step S14). This process is a process of stopping the rotation of each reel so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination determined in step S13 is stopped and displayed on the pay line L after starting the rotation of all the reels 14. . This process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger is established, that is, whether or not “APPLE” is stopped and displayed in the display window 15 (step S15). If it is determined that a bonus game trigger has been established, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device) reads a program for playing a bonus game from the RAM 43 (storage device) and executes bonus game processing (step S16). At this time, the first special gaming state has occurred. The bonus game process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. When executing the process of step S16, the main CPU 41 functions as a means for generating the first special gaming state.

On the other hand, when determining that the bonus game trigger has not been established, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a winning combination has been established (step S17). When determining that the winning combination has been established, the main CPU 41 pays out coins according to the number of inserted coins and the winning combination (step S18).
When storing coins, the main CPU 41 performs a process of adding the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, when paying out coins, the main CPU 41 sends a control signal to the hopper 66 to pay out a predetermined number of coins. At that time, the coin detection unit 67 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 66, and transmits a payout completion signal to the main CPU 41 when the counted value reaches a designated number. As a result, the main CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 66 and ends the coin payout process.

When the process of step S16 or S18 is executed, or when it is determined in step S17 that no combination is established (when it is determined that the game is lost), the main CPU 41 stores the return mode stored in the RAM 43. It is determined whether or not the flag is set to “ON” (step S19). When determining that the return mode flag is set to “ON”, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device) reads a program for shifting to the return mode from the RAM 43 (storage device), executes the return mode processing, The process proceeds to the reduction mode (step S20). At this time, the second special game state has occurred. The reduction mode process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. When executing the process of step S20, the main CPU 41 functions as a means for generating the second special gaming state.

When the process of step S20 is executed or when it is determined in step S19 that the return mode flag is not set to “ON”, the main CPU 41 executes the bonus game (step S16) or shifts to the return mode (step S20). Is determined (step S21).

When determining that the bonus game execution or the return mode transition is not performed, the main CPU 41 executes a counting process (step S22).
The counting process is a process performed between the gaming machine 10 and the control device 200. From the gaming machine 10, the number of throws and the number of payouts in one game are transmitted to the control device 200 together with the gaming machine identification number. In the control device 200, the number of games, the cumulative number of inputs, the cumulative number of payouts, etc. are updated for each gaming machine identification number. When the number of games reaches the set value, the number of coins to be paid out in the return mode is determined according to the set value, and a return command signal indicating the set value and the number of payouts is transmitted from the control device 200 to the gaming machine 10. Is done. When the main CPU 41 receives the return command signal, the main CPU 41 sets the return mode flag to “ON”. The counting process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. After executing the process of step S22, the main CPU 41 returns the process to step S10, and subsequently executes the game in the insurance mode.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the bonus game has been executed or the return mode has been entered, this subroutine is terminated, and the process returns to FIG. As a result, the player can again select the game mode as the insurance mode or the non-insurance mode.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a lottery processing subroutine called and executed in step S13 of the subroutine shown in FIG. This process is a process performed by the main CPU 41 executing the lottery program stored in the RAM 43.
First, the main CPU 41 selects a random number value corresponding to each of the three reels 14 from a numerical range of 0 to 255 by executing a random number generation program included in the lottery program (step S31). In the present embodiment, a case where random numbers are generated on a program (a case where so-called software random numbers are used) will be described. However, in the present invention, a random number generator may be provided and a random number may be extracted from the random number generator (a so-called hardware random number is used).

Next, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing unit) refers to the symbol weighting data corresponding to the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 and stored in the RAM 43 (storage unit), and based on the selected three random number values. The code No. of each reel 14 (See FIG. 3) is determined (step S32). The code No. of each reel 14 Is the code number of the symbol stopped on the winning line L. It corresponds to. The main CPU 41 sets the code number of each reel 14. By determining the role. For example, the code No. When “00”, “00”, or “00” is determined, the main CPU 41 determines that the winning combination is “JACKPOT 7”. The reel code No. Based on the above, a reel rotation control process to be described later is performed. At this time, the main CPU 41 functions as a combination determining means.

Here, the combination in this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a plurality of types of combinations, the possibility of establishment of each combination, and the number of payouts in the present embodiment. The possibility of establishment of each combination shown in FIG. 14 is that in the case where the payout rate other than the bonus game is 88%. Note that the possibility of establishment shown in the figure refers to the code number of each reel 14 based on three random values with reference to the symbol weighting data. This indicates the possibility that the combination will be established. That is, a random value is not associated with each combination.

The probability of establishing the bonus game trigger is 0.5%. When the bonus game trigger is won, three “APPLE” symbols are stopped and displayed on the pay line, and a bonus game is generated. In the bonus game, the free game is executed a number of times determined by lottery.

The probability of establishment of “JACKPOT 7” is 0.5%. When this combination is established, three symbols “JACKPOT 7” are stopped and displayed on the pay line L, and 30 coins are paid out per coin inserted. The number of payouts is set higher as the role is less likely to be established.
However, when a combination of symbols that cannot be any combination of the combinations shown in FIG. 14 is stopped and displayed, it is a loss and no coins are paid out.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the reel rotation control process that is called and executed in step S15 of the subroutine shown in FIG. This process is a process performed between the main CPU 41 and the sub CPU 61.

First, the main CPU 41 transmits a start signal for starting reel rotation to the sub CPU 61 (step S40). When the sub CPU 61 receives a start signal from the main CPU 41, the sub CPU 61 performs a reel rotation process (step S51). In this process, the sub CPU 61 supplies a pulse to the motor drive circuit 62. The pulse output from the sub CPU 61 is amplified by the driver 64 and supplied to each stepping motor 70 (70L, 70C, 70R). As a result, each stepping motor 70 rotates, and each reel 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) rotates accordingly. The stepping motor 70 of the 1-2 phase excitation method has a step angle of 0.9 ° and 400 steps per rotation. Therefore, when 400 pulses are supplied to the stepping motor 70, the reel 14 rotates once.

At the start of the rotation of the reel 14, the sub CPU 206 supplies a low-frequency pulse to the motor drive circuit 62, and gradually increases the pulse frequency. Along with this, the rotation speed of the reel 14 increases. When a predetermined time elapses, the pulse frequency is made constant. As a result, the reel 14 rotates at a constant speed.

Here, the rotation operation of the reel 14 will be described with reference to FIG.
16A to 16D are side views for explaining the rotation operation of the reel 14.
As shown in FIG. 16A, a semicircular metal plate 14 a is provided on the side surface of the reel 14. The metal plate 14 a rotates together with the reel 14. Further, 22 symbols (see FIG. 3) are provided on the peripheral surface of the reel 14. Of the 22 symbols drawn on the peripheral surface of the reel 14, three symbols can be viewed through the display window 15 formed in front of the reel 14. In the figure, a thick arrow indicates the rotation direction of the reel 14. A proximity sensor 65a is provided on the side of the reel 14. The proximity sensor 65a is for detecting the metal plate 14a. The proximity sensor 65a does not move or rotate even when the reel 14 rotates.

FIG. 16A shows the position (hereinafter also referred to as position A) of the metal plate 14a when the proximity sensor 65a starts detecting the metal plate 14a. When the reel 14 rotates while the metal plate 14a is at the position A, the metal plate 14a moves to the position shown in FIG. FIG. 16B shows the position (hereinafter also referred to as position B) of the metal plate 14a when the metal plate 14a is detected by the proximity sensor 65a. When the reel 14 rotates while the metal plate 14a is at the position B, the metal plate 14a moves to the position shown in FIG. FIG. 16C shows the position (hereinafter also referred to as position C) of the metal plate 14a when the proximity sensor 65a no longer detects the metal plate 14a.

When the reel 14 rotates while the metal plate 14a is at the position C, the metal plate 14a moves to the position shown in FIG. FIG. 16D shows the position of the metal plate 14a when the metal plate 14a is not detected by the proximity sensor 65a (hereinafter also referred to as position D). When the reel 14 further rotates, the position of the metal plate 14a returns to the position A. As described above, as the reel 14 rotates, the position of the metal plate 14a changes in the order of position A, position B, position C, position D, position A,.

The proximity sensor 65a constitutes an index detection circuit 65 (see FIG. 3). If the state where the proximity sensor 65a detects the metal plate 14a is “High” and the state where the proximity sensor 65a does not detect the metal plate 14a is “Low”, the metal plate 14a is in position A → position B → position C. , The state of the index detection circuit 65 is “High”, and when the metal plate 14a is in the position C → position D → position A, the state of the index detection circuit 65 is “Low”. The sub CPU 61 recognizes the rotational position of the reel 14 with the rise from “Low” to “High” as index (origin) 1 and the fall from “High” to “Low” as index (origin) 2. To do.

After transmitting the start signal to the sub CPU 61 in step S40, the main CPU 40 executes an effect at the time of reel rotation (step S41). This process includes displaying an image on the lower image display panel 16 and outputting sound from the speaker 29 over a period (eg, 3 seconds) determined according to the result of the lottery process (FIG. 12, step S13). It is a process to perform.

Next, the main CPU 40 determines whether or not it is time to instruct the stop of the rotation of the reel 14 (step S42).
Here, the timing for instructing the stop of the rotation of the reel 14 is a timing before the minimum necessary time for stopping the rotation of the reel 14 from the time when the effect at the time of the reel rotation is finished. Note that the minimum time required to stop the rotation of the reel 14 is determined in advance.

If it is determined in step S42 that it is not the timing to instruct to stop the rotation of the reel 14, the process returns to step S42, and the effect at the time of reel rotation is continuously performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S <b> 42 that the timing for instructing the rotation of the reel 14 to stop is reached, the main CPU 41 stores the code number of the reel stored in the RAM 43. Is transmitted to the sub CPU 61 (step S43). The sub CPU 61 receives a reel code number from the main CPU 41. Is received, the number of steps and the code number stored in the ROM (not shown) provided in the sub CPU 61 are received. And the code No. Is converted into the reel stop position (number of steps) from the index (step S52).

FIG. 17 shows the number of steps and the code number. It is the schematic diagram which showed the corresponding | compatible table | surface. Each code No. Is associated with an index and the number of steps.
Each code No. Corresponds to the symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel 14 (see FIG. 3). Symbols “00” to “10” correspond to index 1. Code No. Symbols “11” to “21” correspond to index 2. Also, the number of steps in the correspondence table shown in FIG. For example, code No. If “08” is “08”, 145 steps from the index 1 are the stop position of the reel. Code No. If "12", steps 218 from index 1 are the reel stop position.

Next, the sub CPU 61 executes a reel stop process (step S53). In this process, the sub CPU 61 detects the rise (index 1) from “Low” to “High” in the index detection circuit 65 for each reel 14, and at the timing when the index 1 is detected, the sub CPU 61 performs the code in step S52. No. A pulse corresponding to the number of steps converted from is supplied to the motor drive circuit 65, and then the pulse supply is stopped.

For example, if it is determined in step S52 that the stop position of the reel is from index 1 to 145 steps, the sub CPU 61 supplies 145 pulses to the motor drive circuit 65 at the timing when index 1 is detected, Thereafter, the supply of pulses is stopped. If it is determined in step S52 that the reel stop position is 218 steps from index 1, the sub CPU 61 supplies 218 pulses to the motor drive circuit 65 at the timing when index 1 is detected. . As a result, the reel 14 has the code No. determined in step S32 in FIG. The combination of symbols corresponding to the combination determined in step S32 of FIG. 13 is stopped and displayed on the winning line L. On the other hand, the main CPU 41 ends the effect at the time of reel rotation. After the processes of steps S44 and S53 are finished, this process is finished.

It should be noted that the code number transmitted in step S43. Is different from the index detected by the index detection circuit 65 when the rotation of the reel 14 is stopped, the reel 14 has stepped out, so the main CPU 41 displays an error message in the lower image. Processing such as displaying on the display panel 16 is performed, and the game is interrupted.
For example, the code No. corresponding to the index 2 is displayed. If the index detection circuit 65 detects the index 1 when the reel 14L stops rotating in spite of the process of stopping the reel 14L at 12, the game is interrupted.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a bonus game process subroutine that is called and executed in step S16 of the subroutine shown in FIG. In the bonus game process, first, the main CPU 41 determines one of 10 to 25 games based on a random number value obtained by executing a random number generation program included in the lottery program stored in the RAM 43. (Step S60). The main CPU 41 stores the determined number of bonus games in the RAM 43 as data.

Subsequently, the main CPU 41 performs a lottery process (step S61) and a reel rotation control process (step S63). The process in step S61 is substantially the same as the process described with reference to FIG. Further, the process in step S63 is substantially the same as the process described with reference to FIG. Since these processes have already been described, description thereof is omitted here.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger is established, that is, whether or not “APPLE” is stopped and displayed in the display window 15 (step S64). If it is determined that the bonus game trigger has been established, a bonus game repeat count t is newly determined by lottery (step S65), and the determined repeat count t is added to the current bonus game count T. (Step S66). As a result, if the bonus game is won during the bonus game, the remaining number of bonus games increases. More specifically, for example, when the game is first shifted to 20 bonus games, if the bonus game is won for the 17th bonus game at the 12th time, then 25 times (20-12 times + 17 times) A bonus game is held.

If the bonus game trigger has not been established, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a winning combination has been established (step S67). When determining that the winning combination has been established, the main CPU 41 pays out coins according to the number of inserted coins and the winning combination (step S68). This process is the same as the process of step S18, and since it has already been described, description thereof is omitted here.

When the process of step S66 or S68 is executed, or when it is determined in step S67 that no combination is established (when it is determined that the game is lost), the main CPU 61 stores the bonus game stored in the RAM 43. The game number T is read out, and 1 is subtracted from the value of the read game number T. Then, the subtracted game number T is stored again in the RAM 43 (step S69).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the number T of bonus games has reached the number determined in step S60 (step S70). Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the number of games T stored in the RAM 43 has become zero. If the number of games T is not zero, that is, the number of executions of the bonus game has reached the number determined in step S60. If it is determined that it is not, the process returns to step S61, and the above-described process is repeated. On the other hand, if the number of games T is 0, that is, if it is determined that the number of times determined in step S60 has been reached, a game number reset signal is transmitted to the control device 200 (step S71), and then this subroutine. Exit. The game number reset signal includes the gaming machine identification information of the gaming machine 10, and when the CPU 201 of the control device 200 receives the game number reset signal, it corresponds to the gaming machine identification information included in the game number reset signal. In addition, the number of games stored in the hard disk drive 205 is reset to zero.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of reduction mode processing that is called and executed in step S20 of the subroutine shown in FIG.
First, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing unit) extracts image data corresponding to a set value from image data as notification data stored in the RAM 43 (storage unit), and sets a set value based on the image data. The image corresponding to is displayed on the lower image display panel 16 (output device), and the transition to the return mode is notified by the image (step S80). The set value is transmitted as data from the control device 200 to the gaming machine 10 in step S22 of FIG. Image data for notifying the shift to the return mode is included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43. This game program includes a plurality of types of image data associated with set values as image data for notifying the shift to the return mode.

The main CPU 41 determines an image to be displayed on the lower image display panel 16 based on the setting value stored in the RAM 43. Then, the main CPU 41 transmits a drawing command based on the determination result to the graphic board 68. In the graphic board 68, based on the drawing command, the VDP extracts image data corresponding to the set value from the RAM 43 and develops it in the video RAM to generate one frame of image data. The data is output to the display panel 16. As a result, for example, images as shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C are displayed on the lower image display panel 16.

FIGS. 20A to 20C are diagrams illustrating an example of an image displayed on the lower image display panel when shifting to the return mode (when the second special gaming state occurs). In the figure, reference numeral 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) denotes a display window. The image shown in FIG. 20A shows an image displayed on the lower image display panel 16 when the mode is shifted to the return mode when the set value is 600. The lower image display panel 16 displays two images indicating fireworks, together with an image indicating “BONUS!”. In addition, an image indicating “TIME OF PLAY 600” is displayed at the bottom of the lower image display panel 16. This image is an image indicating that the number of games has reached a set value of 600.

The image shown in FIG. 20B shows an image displayed on the lower image display panel 16 when the mode is shifted to the return mode when the set value is 1200. The lower image display panel 16 displays four images showing fireworks, together with an image showing “BONUS!”. In addition, an image indicating “TIME OF PLAY 1200” is displayed at the bottom of the lower image display panel 16. This image is an image indicating that the number of games has reached a preset value of 1200.

The image shown in FIG. 20C shows an image displayed on the lower image display panel 16 when the mode is shifted to the return mode when the set value is 2400. On the lower image display panel 16, six images indicating fireworks are displayed together with an image indicating “BONUS !!”. In addition, an image indicating “TIME OF PLAY 2400” is displayed at the bottom of the lower image display panel 16.

As described above, in the gaming machine 10, when the mode is shifted to the return mode, an image indicating which set value is used to generate the return mode is displayed on the lower image display panel 16. When executing the processing of step S80, the main CPU 41 notifies which setting value the second special gaming state has occurred by outputting an image to the lower image display panel 16 as output means. Functions as a means.

Next, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing unit) extracts the sound data corresponding to the set value from the sound data as the notification data stored in the RAM 43 (storage device), and sets based on the sound data. A process of outputting a sound corresponding to the value from the speaker 29 (output device) is performed, and the transition to the return mode is notified by voice (step S81).
The sound data for notifying the shift to the return mode is included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43. This game program includes a plurality of types of sound data associated with set values as sound data for notifying the shift to the return mode.

The main CPU 41 determines the sound output from the speaker 29 based on the set value stored in the RAM 43. The main CPU 41 extracts sound data from the RAM 43 based on the determination result, converts the sound data into a sound signal, and supplies the sound signal to the speaker 29. As a result, a sound indicating which setting value is used to generate the return mode is output from the speaker 29. When executing the processing of step S81, the main CPU 41 functions as a means for notifying which setting value the second special gaming state has occurred by outputting a sound to the speaker 29 as the output means. .

Next, the main CPU 41 pays out the number of coins determined according to the set value (step S82). The number of coins paid out in step S82 is the number of coins paid out in the return mode, and is determined by the control device 200 according to the set value. The number of coins paid out in the return mode is included as data in the return command signal transmitted from the control device 200 to the gaming machine 10 in step S22 of FIG. Further, the number of coins paid out in the return mode is stored as data in the RAM 43 of the gaming machine 10 that has received the return command signal.

When storing coins, the main CPU 41 performs a process of adding the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, when paying out coins, the main CPU 41 sends a control signal to the hopper 66 to pay out a predetermined number of coins. At that time, the coin detection unit 67 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 66, and transmits a payout completion signal to the main CPU 41 when the counted value reaches a designated number. As a result, the main CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 66 and ends the coin payout process. Thereafter, the return mode flag is set to “OFF” (step S83), and this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the counting process that is called and executed in step S23 of the subroutine shown in FIG.
This process is a process performed between the main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10 and the CPU 201 of the control device 200. Here, one set value selected from a plurality of types of candidate values “600”, “1200”, and “2400” determined in advance is set for each of the plurality of gaming machines 10. (See FIG. 6).

First, the main CPU 41 transmits the number of coins inserted and paid out stored in the RAM 43 together with the gaming machine identification number to the control device 200 via the communication line 101 via the communication interface 44 (step S90). The number of coins inserted and paid out transmitted from the gaming machine 10 to the control device 200 is for that game.
In the processing in step S90, each time the game is played by the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device), the identification information of the gaming machine 10 stored in the RAM 43 (storage device) is transmitted to the control device 200 via the communication line 101. It is a process to transmit. When executing the process of step S <b> 90, the main CPU 41 functions as a means for transmitting the identification information of the gaming machine 10 to the control device 200 via the communication line 101.

On the other hand, when the CPU 201 of the control device 200 receives the number of coins inserted and paid out and the gaming machine identification number by the interface circuit 204 from the gaming machine 10 via the communication line 101, each gaming machine in the hard disk drive 205. Of the number of games, the cumulative number of inputs, and the cumulative number of payouts stored in association with the identification number (see FIG. 6), the number of games, the cumulative number of inputs, and the cumulative number of payouts associated with the received gaming machine identification number. Update (step S100).

Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the updated number of games has reached a set value (step S101). If it is determined that the updated number of games has not reached the set value, this subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the updated number of games has reached the set value, the CPU 201 is based on the correspondence table between the set value and the number of payouts stored in the hard disk drive 205 (see FIG. 7). Thus, the number of payouts according to the set value is determined (step S102).

Next, the CPU 201 transmits a return command signal indicating the set value and the number of payouts via the communication circuit 101 to the gaming machine 10 whose number of games has reached the set value via the interface circuit 204 (step S103). Thereafter, the CPU 201 resets the number of games stored in the hard disk drive 205 in association with the gaming machine identification number of the gaming machine 10 to 0 (step S104). Subsequently, the CPU 201 selects a new setting value by lottery, and stores the selected setting value in the hard disk drive 205 in association with the gaming machine identification number of the gaming machine 10 (step S105).

When the main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10 receives the return command signal transmitted from the control device 200 in step S103, the main CPU 41 sets the return mode flag to “ON” (step S91). In the process in step S91, the number of games cumulatively counted by the control device 200 based on the identification information of the gaming machine 10 reaches a set value selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance. This is a process of receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device 200 when the control is performed. In step S91, the main CPU 41 functions as means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device 200. Thereafter, the main CPU 41 stores data indicating the set value and the number of payouts included in the return command signal in the RAM 43 (step S92). Thereafter, this process is terminated.

In the present embodiment, the case has been described where the game mode shifts to the return mode when the number of games reaches a set value (see FIG. 21). However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when the number of games reaches a set value, if the number of game media input for that game is the upper limit value that can be accepted for one game, the second special game state is set. It is good also as making it generate | occur | produce (it transfers to reduction | restoration mode). In this case, the player can be encouraged to insert the game media up to the upper limit value, and the facility such as a casino can increase profits.
Further, when the second special gaming state is to be generated when the number of game media inserted is the upper limit value, the game media is inserted up to the upper limit value, not when the number of games reaches the set value. When the number of games played reaches a set value, the second special game state may be generated when the number of game media input for that game is the upper limit. In such a case, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the second special game state only by using a small number of game media in each game and consuming a small number of game media in total.

As described above, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device), the RAM 43 (storage device), the lower image display panel 16 (output device), and the speaker 29 (output device). A gaming machine 10 connected via a communication line 101 to a control device 200 that cumulatively counts the number of games in each of the plurality of gaming machines 10 for each gaming machine 10, and the main CPU 41 is stored in the RAM 43. By executing the lottery program, a process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of types of predetermined combinations (see FIG. 13), and the determined combination is a special combination “bonus game trigger”. At a certain time, a process for reading a program for generating a bonus game (first special game state) from the RAM 43 and executing it (see FIG. 18), and a game are performed. In addition, the process of transmitting the identification information of the gaming machine 10 stored in the RAM 43 to the control device 200 via the communication line (FIG. 21, step S90), and the control device 200 performs cumulative processing based on the identification information of the gaming machine. The process of receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when the number of games counted in step (b) reaches a set value selected from a plurality of candidate values determined stepwise in advance (FIG. 21, step S91), a process (see FIG. 19) for reading and executing a program for switching to the return mode (generation of the second special game state) from the RAM 43 based on the command signal (see FIG. 19), and the second special game state Is read out from the RAM 43 for notifying that the second special gaming state has occurred based on the set value, and based on the notification data, It outputs the image to the image display panel 16, a gaming machine and a process of outputting a sound from the speaker 29 (see FIG. 19).

The gaming machine 10 is a gaming machine 10 connected via a communication line 101 to a control device 200 that cumulatively counts the number of games in each of the plurality of gaming machines 10 for each gaming machine 10, and Output means capable of outputting sound (for example, the lower image display panel 16, speaker 29), combination determining means for determining a combination by lottery (for example, the main CPU 41), and the determined combination is a special combination "bonus game trigger" ”Means for generating a bonus game (first special gaming state) (for example, the main CPU 41), and each time a game is played, the identification information of the gaming machine 10 is transmitted to the control device 200 via the communication line 101. The number of games to be cumulatively counted by the control device 200 based on the means (for example, the main CPU 41) and the identification information of the gaming machine is determined in advance. Means (for example, the main CPU 41) for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device 200 when a set value selected from a plurality of candidate values is reached, and the second special gaming state based on the command signal. A means for generating (for example, the main CPU 41) and when the second special game state is generated, an image or sound is output to the output means to indicate that the second special game state is generated based on the set value. It is characterized by comprising means (for example, main CPU 41) for notifying by outputting.

According to the gaming machine 10, a command transmitted from the control device 200 when the number of games counted in the control device 200 reaches a set value selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance. Whenever a signal is received, the mode changes to return mode. Therefore, even if a large number of coins are consumed without the first special gaming state occurring for a long period of time, if the game is played until the number of games reaches the set value, the game will always enter the return mode, One can get the benefit.

Further, when shifting to the reduction mode, the fact that the mode has been shifted to the reduction mode based on the set value is determined by the output of the image to the lower image display panel 16 and the output of the sound from the speaker 29. Inform. Therefore, it is possible to make the player recognize which set value has been played until the number of games reaches the number of games and therefore the player has shifted to the return mode. As a result, it is possible to give an impression to the player that a return for the game played until the set value reaches the number of games has been performed.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of coins from feeling uncomfortable or distrustful of the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

The gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment is connected to the control device 200 via the communication line 101, and the control device 200 counts the number of games in the gaming machine 10 and whether or not to shift to the return mode (second special mode). Whether or not a game state is to be generated) is determined. However, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have to use a network, and may be a stand-alone.

The stand-alone gaming machine 10 according to the present invention includes a main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device), a RAM 43 (storage device), a lower image display panel 16 (output device), and a speaker 29 (output device). In the gaming machine 10, the main CPU 41 executes a lottery program stored in the RAM 43, thereby determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations. When a combination is a special combination “bonus game trigger”, a program for generating a bonus game (first special game state) is read from the RAM 43 and executed, and the number of games is accumulated each time a game is performed. Processing, counting the setting value from among a plurality of candidate values determined in advance, and whether the number of games has reached the setting value And a process for reading out and executing a program for executing the transition to the return mode (generation of the second special gaming state) from the RAM 43 when it is determined that the number of games has reached the set value. When the mode is shifted to the return mode, the notification data for notifying that the mode is shifted to the return mode based on the set value is read from the RAM 43, and the lower image display panel 16 is read based on the notification data. A gaming machine that executes processing for outputting an image to the speaker or processing for outputting sound from the speaker 29 can be given.

The gaming machine 10 includes an output means (for example, the lower image display panel 16 and the speaker 29) capable of outputting an image or sound, a combination determining means (for example, the main CPU 41) for determining a combination by lottery, and the determined combination Is a special combination “bonus game trigger”, a means for generating a bonus game (for example, the main CPU 41), a means for cumulatively counting the number of games each time a game is performed (for example, the main CPU 41), and a setting Means (for example, main CPU 41) for selecting a value from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages, means for determining whether or not the number of games has reached a set value (for example, main CPU 41), and number of games When it is determined that the value has reached the set value, a means (for example, the main CPU 41) for making a transition to the return mode (generation of the second special gaming state) and a return Means (for example, main) for notifying the transition to the return mode based on the set value by outputting an image to the lower image display panel 16 or outputting a sound from the speaker 29 when shifting to the mode. CPU 41).

In addition, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment shifts to the return mode (second special game) when the number of games reaches a set value selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance. The present invention is not limited to this example.
In the gaming machine 10 according to the present invention, when the balance of coins becomes equal to or less than a set value selected from a plurality of predetermined candidate values, the transition to the return mode (occurrence of the second special gaming state) occurs. It may be performed.

Such a gaming machine 10 includes a main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device), a RAM 43 (storage device), a lower image display panel 16 (output device), and a speaker 29 (output device), and a plurality of gaming machines. 10 is a gaming machine 10 connected via a communication line 101 to a control device 200 that cumulatively counts the balance of coins in each gaming machine 10, and the main CPU 41 executes a lottery program stored in the RAM 43. Thus, a process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of types of predetermined combinations, and when the determined combination is a special combination “bonus game trigger”, a bonus game (first special game Each time a program for reading out and executing a program for generating a status) is executed from the RAM 43 and a game is performed, the program is transmitted to the RAM 43 via the communication line 101. The process of transmitting the stored coin insertion and withdrawal numbers in the game together with the identification information of the gaming machine 10 to the control device 200, the identification information of the gaming machine 10, the number of coins inserted and paid out in the game, Is transmitted from the control device 200 when the balance of coins cumulatively counted by the control device 200 becomes equal to or less than a set value selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages. A process for receiving a command signal, a process for reading out and executing a program for switching to the return mode (generation of the second special gaming state) from the RAM 43 based on the command signal, and a transition to the return mode Is read out from the RAM 43 for notifying that the mode has been shifted to the return mode based on the set value, and based on the notification data The output of the image to the lower image display panel 16, or, and a process for outputting sound from the speaker 29.

The gaming machine 10 includes an output means (for example, the lower image display panel 16 and the speaker 29) capable of outputting an image or sound, a combination determining means (for example, the main CPU 41) for determining a combination by lottery, and the determined combination Is a special combination “bonus game trigger”, means for generating a bonus game (first special game state) (for example, the main CPU 41) and each time a game is played, the communication line 101 is used to The control device 200 accumulates the coin balance in the game together with the identification information of the gaming machine 10 to the control device 200 (for example, the main CPU 41) and the identification information of the gaming machine 10 and the coin balance at that time. Control device when the balance of coins counted automatically reaches a set value selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages Means (for example, main CPU 41) for receiving a command signal transmitted from 00, means (for example, main CPU 41) for making a transition to the return mode (generation of the second special gaming state) based on the command signal, Means for notifying the transition to the return mode based on the set value by outputting an image to the lower image display panel or outputting a sound from the speaker 29 when shifting to the mode ( For example, a main CPU 41) is provided.

According to such a gaming machine 10, when the balance of coins counted in the control device 200 becomes less than or equal to a set value selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance, the control device 200. When the command signal transmitted from is received, it always shifts to the return mode. Based on the set value, the fact that the mode is shifted to the return mode is notified by outputting an image to the lower image display panel 16 or outputting a sound from the speaker 29. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of coins from feeling uncomfortable or distrustful with respect to organic materials or losing interest or interest in the game.

The gaming machine 10 described above is connected to the control device 200 via the communication line 101, and the control device 200 counts the balance of coins in the gaming machine 10 and whether to shift to the return mode (second special gaming state). Whether or not to generate () is determined. However, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have to use a network, and may be a stand-alone.

As such a gaming machine 10, a gaming machine 10 including a main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device), a RAM 43 (storage device), a lower image display panel 16 (output device), and a speaker 29 (output device). The main CPU 41 executes a lottery program stored in the RAM 43 to determine one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations, and the determined combination is special. When the combination is a “bonus game trigger”, a program for generating a bonus game (first special game state) is read from the RAM 43 and executed, and the balance of game media is cumulatively accumulated each time a game is played. A process of selecting a set value to be compared with a counting process and a balance of game media from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance; A program for determining whether or not the branch is less than or equal to a set value, and for making a transition to return mode (occurrence of the second special game state) when it is determined that the balance of the game medium is less than or equal to the set value Is read from the RAM 43 and executed, and when the mode is shifted to the return mode, the notification data for notifying that the mode is shifted to the return mode based on the set value is read from the RAM 43, An example is a gaming machine 10 that performs processing for outputting an image to the lower image display panel 16 or outputting sound from the speaker 29 based on the data.

The gaming machine 10 includes an output means (for example, the lower image display panel 16 and the speaker 29) capable of outputting an image or sound, a combination determining means (for example, the main CPU 41) for determining a combination by lottery, and the determined combination Is a special combination “bonus game trigger”, means for generating a bonus game (first special gaming state) (for example, the main CPU 41) and the balance of the game medium is cumulatively counted each time a game is played. A means (for example, main CPU 41), a means for selecting a set value from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance (for example, main CPU 41), and whether or not the balance of the game medium is equal to or less than the set value When it is determined that the balance (for example, the main CPU 41) to play and the balance of the game medium has become equal to or less than the set value, a transition to the return mode (generation of the second special game state) is performed. The stage (for example, the main CPU 41) and the transition to the return mode based on the setting value when the transition to the return mode is performed, the output of the image to the lower image display panel 16 or the sound from the speaker 29 Means (for example, main CPU 41) for notifying by performing the above-described output.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case has been described in which, when the return mode is set to “ON”, the mode is subsequently shifted to the return mode without being triggered by the establishment of some condition. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, after the return mode flag is set to “ON”, the mode may be shifted to the return mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In this case, the predetermined condition that triggers the transition to the return mode is not particularly limited. For example, the fact that a bonus trigger has been established, that symbols have been stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination, etc. Can be mentioned.

In the present embodiment, when the return mode flag is set to “ON”, the case where the mode is changed to the return mode regardless of the combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed thereafter has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a combination of symbols indicating the transition to the return mode may be set in advance, and after the symbols are stopped and displayed with the combination, the transition to the return mode may be performed.

In the present embodiment, symbols are stopped and displayed (FIG. 12, step S14), and processing based on the combination of stopped and displayed symbols (FIG. 12, steps S15 to S20) is performed, and then the number of games is counted (FIG. 12). The case where step S22) is performed has been described. However, in the present invention, the timing at which the number of games is counted is not particularly limited. For example, it may be the timing at which a coin bet (after step S10 or S11 in FIG. 12) or the timing at which the spin button is turned on (after step S12 in FIG. 12). In addition, the game is performed at a predetermined timing (for example, the timing at which the symbols are stopped and displayed) from when the symbol variation display is started until the symbols are stopped and displayed based on the combination of the stopped symbols. The number of times may be counted. It is possible to employ the above-mentioned timing for counting the balance of game media.

In this embodiment, the special combination “bonus” is set after the return mode flag is set to “ON” (FIG. 12, step S22) and before the shift to the return mode (FIG. 12, step S20) is performed. When the “game trigger” is established (FIG. 12, step S15), after the bonus game is generated (FIG. 12, step S16), the gaming machine 10 that further shifts to the return mode has been described. That is, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when a special combination is established between the time when the number of games reaches the set value and the generation of the second special gaming state, the gaming machine is based on the special combination. A first special game state is generated, and a second special game state is further generated.

However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when a special combination is established after the number of games reaches a set value and before the second special game state is generated, only the first special game state may be generated. When the above form is adopted, the player can always benefit from the first special game state or the second special game state when the game is played until the number of games reaches the set value. The above form is also one form of the present invention.
When the above form is adopted in the gaming machine 10, for example, the following process may be performed instead of the process shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing another example of the game execution processing subroutine. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 22, steps that perform the same processing as the steps in the flowchart shown in FIG.

After executing the processing of step S10 to step S14, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger is established (step S15). If it is determined that a bonus game trigger is established, bonus game processing is performed. Execute (step S16). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the reduction mode flag is set to “ON” (step S25). If the reduction mode flag is set to “ON”, the reduction mode flag is set to “OFF”. (Step S26). Then, the process of step S21 is performed, and this subroutine is terminated. The other processes are the same as the processes described with reference to FIG. 12, and a description thereof is omitted here. In the subroutine shown in FIG. 22, as in the subroutine shown in FIG. 12, after the coin is bet (step S10), it is determined whether or not the spin button 23 is turned on (step S12). When it is determined that the button 23 is turned on (step S12: YES), a process of subtracting the number of credits (step S11) may be performed.

Here, assuming that the set value is 600, the processing shown in FIG. 22 will be specifically described. In step S22, when the number of games reaches 600 and the return mode flag is established, a bonus game trigger is established in the 601st game (step S15), but a bonus game is generated (step S16), but the return mode is entered. Is not performed (steps S25 and S26). On the other hand, when the bonus game trigger is not established in the 601st game, a transition to the return mode is performed (steps S19 and S20).
Therefore, when the process shown in FIG. 22 is performed, whenever the number of games reaches the set value, a bonus game is generated or a shift to the return mode is performed.

In the present invention, if the special combination is established between the time when the number of games reaches the set value and the time when the second special game state is generated, only the second special game state is generated. Alternatively, any one of the first special game state and the second special game state may be selected and generated according to the game situation or the like.

In addition, also about the case where a 2nd special game state is generated according to the balance of a game medium, the form similar to the form mentioned above is employable. In other words, if the special combination is established between the time when the balance of the game medium becomes less than the set value and the time when the second special game state is generated, only the first special game state may be generated. Alternatively, only the second special game state may be generated, or one of the first special game state and the second special game state may be selected and generated according to the game situation or the like.

Again, as a form of return to the player in the return mode as the second special game state, a predetermined number of game media may be paid out when the number of games reaches a set value ( (See FIG. 19). In addition, when the number of games reaches a set value, a return mode as a second special game state in which a privilege in the same form as the first special game state such as a free game, a second game, a mystery bonus, etc. is given to the player. It may be configured to be settable, and a predetermined number of game media may be paid out in any of these forms.
In the embodiment described above, both of these aspects are illustrated. Both of these aspects correspond to the second special gaming state in the present invention.

Further, the timing of paying out a predetermined number of game media is not limited to the timing at which the unit game is terminated and the symbols are stopped and displayed as in the mystery bonus as described above. When the game reaches the set value, the game medium may be immediately paid out.

Further, the method of paying out a predetermined number of game media is not particularly limited, and for example, coins may be actually paid out, the number of credits may be increased, a ticket with a barcode, etc. A ticket may be issued.

However, it is possible to distinguish and recognize whether the player has received a payout in a normal game or a bonus game (first special game state) or a payout in a return mode (second special game state). To do so, it is necessary to do the following: That is, when a coin is actually paid out with a mystery bonus in the return mode (second special gaming state), the timing needs to be paid out at a timing different from that of a normal game or bonus game (first special gaming state). There is. Further, it is necessary to pay out in a normal game or a bonus game (first special game state) with an actual coin, and to pay out in a return mode (second special game state) with a ticket as described above. By doing so, it is possible to differentiate between payouts in normal games and bonus games (first special game state) and payouts in the return mode (second special game state).

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only specific examples are illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. The specific configuration of each unit and the like can be appropriately changed. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed the row | line | column of the symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each reel. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the correspondence table of a gaming machine identification number and a game history. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the correspondence table of setting value and the number of payout. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the correspondence table of setting value and the number of payout. FIG. 5 is a chart showing an authentication reading process procedure of the game program and game system program by the motherboard and the gaming board shown in FIG. 4. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a game mode selection process. (A)-(b) is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on a lower image display panel, when game mode selection processing is performed. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a game execution process. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a lottery process. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between multiple types of combination in this embodiment, the possibility of formation of each combination, and the number of payout. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a reel rotation control process. (A)-(d) is a side view for demonstrating rotation operation | movement of a reel. Step number and code No. It is the schematic diagram which showed the corresponding | compatible table | surface. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a bonus game process. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of return mode processing. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on a lower image display panel at the time of return mode transfer (at the time of a 2nd special game state occurrence). It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a counting process. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the subroutine of a game execution process.

Explanation of symbols

10 gaming machines (slot machines)
11 Cabinet 12 Top box 13 Main door 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) Reel 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) Display window 16 Lower image display panel 18 Coin tray 19 Coin payout port 20 Control panel 21 Coin receiving port 22 Bill identification Device 23 Spin button 24 Change button 25 Cash out button 26 1-BET button 27 Maximum BET button 29 Speaker 30 Lamp 31 Credit number display part 32 Payout number display part 33 Upper image display panel 34 Berry glass 35 Ticket printer 36 Card receiving port 37 Data display 38 Keypad 39 Bar code ticket 40 Motherboard 41 Main CPU
42 ROM
43 RAM
44 Communication Interface 45 Power Supply Unit 50 Gaming Board 51 CPU
52 Boot ROM
53 Memory Card 54 GAL
60 Main body PCB
61 Sub CPU
62 Motor drive circuit 63 FPGA
64 Driver 65 Index detection circuit 66 Hopper 67 Coin detection unit 68 Graphic board 69 Touch panel 70 (70L, 70C, 70R) Stepping motor 71 Position change detection circuit 80 Door PCB
81 Cold Cathode Tube 100 Game System 200 Control Device

Claims (26)

An output means capable of outputting an image or sound;
A role determining means for determining a role by lottery;
Means for generating a first special gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player when the determined combination is a special combination;
When the number of games that are cumulatively counted every time a game is performed reaches a set value that is selected from a plurality of candidate values that are determined in advance and that is to be compared with the number of games, Means for generating a second special gaming state which is a gaming state advantageous to the player and in which a degree of advantage according to the set value is determined;
Means for notifying that the second special game state is generated based on the set value by outputting an image or sound to the output means when the second special game state is generated; A gaming machine characterized by comprising: A gaming machine connected via a communication line to a control device that cumulatively counts the number of games in each of a plurality of gaming machines for each gaming machine,
An output means capable of outputting an image or sound;
A role determining means for determining a role by lottery;
Means for generating a first special gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player when the determined combination is a special combination;
Means for transmitting identification information of a gaming machine to the control device via the communication line each time a game is performed;
The number of games cumulatively counted by the control device based on the identification information of the gaming machine is a comparison target with the number of games selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance. Means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when a set value is reached;
Means for generating a second special gaming state which is a gaming state advantageous to the player and has a degree of advantage determined according to the set value based on the command signal;
Means for notifying that the second special game state is generated based on the set value by outputting an image or sound to the output means when the second special game state is generated; A gaming machine characterized by comprising: An output means capable of outputting an image or sound;
A role determining means for determining a role by lottery;
Means for generating a first special gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player when the determined combination is a special combination;
Means for cumulatively counting the number of games each time a game is played;
Means for selecting a set value to be compared with the number of games from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages;
Means for determining whether or not the number of games has reached the set value;
When it is determined that the number of games has reached the set value, a means for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to the player and in which a degree of advantage according to the set value is determined When,
Means for notifying that the second special game state is generated based on the set value by outputting an image or sound to the output means when the second special game state is generated; A gaming machine characterized by comprising: The means for generating the second special game state generates a second special game state in which a degree of advantage is determined to be greater as the set value at which the number of games is reached is larger. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of 3. A receiving means capable of accepting the insertion of game media up to a predetermined upper limit value for one game;
The means for generating the second special game state is configured such that when the number of games reaches the set value, the number of game media inserted for that game is the upper limit value. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is generated. A gaming machine comprising an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, and an image or sound output device,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out from the storage device and executing a program for generating a first special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player;
When the number of games that are cumulatively counted every time a game is performed reaches a set value that is selected from a plurality of candidate values that are determined in advance and that is to be compared with the number of games, A process for reading out and executing from the storage device a program for generating a second special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player and has a degree of advantage determined according to the set value;
When the second special gaming state is generated, notification data for notifying that the second special gaming state is generated based on the set value is read from the storage device, and the notification A game machine that executes processing for outputting an image or sound to the output device based on data. A gaming machine comprising an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, and an image or sound output device, and connected via a communication line to a control device that cumulatively counts the number of games in each of a plurality of gaming machines for each gaming machine Because
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out from the storage device and executing a program for generating a first special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player;
A process of transmitting the identification information of the gaming machine stored in the storage device to the control device via the communication line each time a game is performed;
The number of games cumulatively counted by the control device based on the identification information of the gaming machine is a comparison target with the number of games selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance. A process of receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when a set value is reached;
Based on the command signal, a program for generating a second special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player and in which a degree of advantage according to the set value is determined is read from the storage device. Processing to be executed,
When the second special gaming state is generated, notification data for notifying that the second special gaming state is generated based on the set value is read from the storage device, and the notification A game machine that executes processing for outputting an image or sound to the output device based on data. A gaming machine comprising an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, and an image or sound output device,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out from the storage device and executing a program for generating a first special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player;
A process of cumulatively counting the number of games each time a game is played,
A process of selecting a setting value to be compared with the number of games from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages;
A process of determining whether or not the number of games has reached a set value;
When it is determined that the number of games has reached the set value, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to the player and in which the degree of advantage according to the set value is determined Is read from the storage device and executed, and
When the second special gaming state is generated, notification data for notifying that the second special gaming state is generated based on the set value is read from the storage device, and the notification A game machine that executes processing for outputting an image or sound to the output device based on data. The arithmetic processing unit includes:
9. The program for generating a second special game state in which a degree of advantage is determined as the set value at which the number of games has been reached is increased. Game machines. The arithmetic processing unit includes:
When the number of games reaches the set value, if the number of game media inserted for that game is a predetermined upper limit value of the number of game media inserted for one game, the second special The gaming machine according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a program for generating a gaming state is executed. An output means capable of outputting an image or sound;
A role determining means for determining a role by lottery;
Means for generating a first special gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player when the determined combination is a special combination;
A gaming state that is advantageous to the player when the balance of the game medium is equal to or less than a set value that is selected from a plurality of candidate values that are determined in advance and that is to be compared with the balance of the game medium And a means for generating a second special gaming state in which the degree of advantage according to the set value is determined,
Means for notifying that the second special game state is generated based on the set value by outputting an image or sound to the output means when the second special game state is generated; A gaming machine characterized by comprising: A gaming machine connected via a communication line to a control device that cumulatively counts the balance of gaming media in each of a plurality of gaming machines for each gaming machine,
An output means capable of outputting an image or sound;
A role determining means for determining a role by lottery;
Means for generating a first special gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player when the determined combination is a special combination;
Means each time a game is played, via the communication line, to transmit the balance of the game medium in the game of the time, together with the identification information of the gaming machine, to the control device;
Based on the identification information of the gaming machine and the balance of the game medium at the time, the balance of the game medium that is cumulatively counted by the control device is selected from a plurality of candidate values determined in advance. Means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when a set value to be compared with a balance of the game medium is reached;
Means for generating a second special gaming state which is a gaming state advantageous to the player and has a degree of advantage determined according to the set value based on the command signal;
Means for notifying that the second special game state is generated based on the set value by outputting an image or sound to the output means when the second special game state is generated; A gaming machine characterized by comprising: An output means capable of outputting an image or sound;
A role determining means for determining a role by lottery;
Means for generating a first special gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player when the determined combination is a special combination;
Means for cumulatively counting the balance of game media each time a game is played;
Means for selecting a set value to be compared with a balance of game media from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages;
Means for determining whether or not the balance of the game medium has become a set value or less;
Means for generating a second special gaming state that is a gaming state that is advantageous to the player and has a degree of advantage determined according to the setting value when it is determined that the balance of the gaming medium has become equal to or less than the setting value;
Means for notifying that the second special game state is generated based on the set value by outputting an image or sound to the output means when the second special game state is generated; A gaming machine characterized by comprising: The means for generating the second special game state generates a second special game state in which a degree of advantage is determined as the set value at which the balance of the game medium has reached is smaller. Item 14. The gaming machine according to any one of Items 11 to 13. A receiving means capable of accepting the insertion of game media up to a predetermined upper limit value for one game;
The means for generating the second special game state is the second special game state when the balance of the game media is equal to or less than the set value, and the number of game media inserted for the game at that time is the upper limit value. The gaming machine according to claim 11, wherein a gaming state is generated. A gaming machine comprising an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, and an image or sound output device,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out from the storage device and executing a program for generating a first special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player;
The balance of game media that is counted cumulatively each time a game is played is selected from a plurality of candidate values that are determined in advance, and is equal to or less than a set value to be compared with the balance of the game media When this happens, a program for generating a second special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player and has a degree of advantage determined according to the set value is read from the storage device and executed. Processing,
When the second special gaming state is generated, notification data for notifying that the second special gaming state is generated based on the set value is read from the storage device, and the notification A game machine that executes processing for outputting an image or sound to the output device based on data. An arithmetic processing device, a storage device, and an image or sound output device are provided, and are connected via a communication line to a control device that cumulatively counts the balance of game media in each of a plurality of gaming machines for each gaming machine. A gaming machine,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out from the storage device and executing a program for generating a first special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player;
A process of transmitting the number of game media inserted and paid out in the game stored in the storage device together with the identification information of the gaming machine to the control device through the communication line every time a game is performed;
The balance of the game media that is cumulatively counted by the control device based on the identification information of the gaming machine and the number of game media inserted and paid out in the game is a plurality of candidate values determined in stages. A process of receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when the value is equal to or less than a set value to be compared with the balance of the game medium selected from
Based on the command signal, a program for generating a second special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player and in which a degree of advantage according to the set value is determined is read from the storage device. Processing to be executed,
When the second special gaming state is generated, notification data for notifying that the second special gaming state is generated based on the set value is read from the storage device, and the notification A game machine that executes processing for outputting an image or sound to the output device based on data. A gaming machine comprising an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, and an image or sound output device,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out from the storage device and executing a program for generating a first special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player;
A process of cumulatively counting the balance of game media each time a game is played,
A process of selecting a set value to be compared with the balance of game media from a plurality of candidate values determined in stages;
A process for determining whether or not the balance of the game medium has become a set value or less;
A program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to the player and has a degree of advantage determined according to the set value when it is determined that the balance of the game medium has become equal to or less than the set value Is read from the storage device and executed, and
When the second special gaming state is generated, notification data for notifying that the second special gaming state is generated based on the set value is read from the storage device, and the notification A game machine that executes processing for outputting an image or sound to the output device based on data. The arithmetic processing unit includes:
19. The program for generating a second special gaming state in which a degree of advantage is determined as the set value at which the balance of the game medium has reached is smaller, according to any one of claims 16 to 18. The gaming machine described in 1. The arithmetic processing unit includes:
When the balance of the game media is equal to or less than the set value, the number of game media input for that game is a predetermined upper limit value of the number of game media input for one game, The game machine according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein a program for generating two special game states is executed. Means for giving the player a different profit in stages depending on the number of games played by the player;
A gaming machine comprising: means for notifying the player of different profits in stages according to the number of games using different images or sounds according to the number of games. Means for giving the player a profit that varies in stages depending on the balance of the game media of the player;
And a means for notifying the player of different profits in stages according to the balance of the game medium, using different images or sounds according to the balance of the game medium. Machine. Granting the player a profit that varies in stages depending on the number of games played by the player;
A game control method comprising: notifying a player of different profits in stages according to the number of games using a different image or sound according to the number of games. Granting the player different benefits in stages according to the player's game media balance;
A step of notifying the player by means of a different image or sound according to the balance of the game medium, and the step of notifying the player that the profit varies step by step according to the balance of the game medium. Method. A gaming system comprising a gaming machine and a control device,
The controller is
Means for transmitting a signal to the gaming machine according to the number of games played by the player in the gaming machine;
The gaming machine is
Based on the signal received from the control device, means for giving the player a profit that varies stepwise depending on the number of games,
A gaming system comprising: means for notifying the player of different profits in stages according to the number of games, using different images or sounds according to the number of games. A gaming system comprising a gaming machine and a control device,
The controller is
Means for transmitting a signal to the gaming machine according to the balance of the game media of the player in the gaming machine;
The gaming machine is
Based on the signal received from the control device, means for giving the player a different profit depending on the balance of the game medium;
And a means for notifying the player of different profits in stages according to the balance of the game medium, using different images or sounds according to the balance of the game medium. system.

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